Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of (a) programming, (b) debugging, or (c) programming and debugging, an embedded microcontroller, comprising: gathering the microcontroller's user defined event signals and operational data related to the microcontroller, which is embedded in a target system in real time without interrupting code executing on the microcontroller; wherein the operational data are gathered by an additional monitoring system; at a programmer debugger device that is distinct from the target system: gathering the user defined event signals directly from the target system; time stamping the user defined event signals; and time stamping the operational data; and communicating the user defined event signals and operational data to a host PC via a hard-wired connection or via WiFi.
2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising installing or revising firmware in the microcontroller.
A method for managing firmware in a microcontroller involves updating or modifying the firmware to enhance functionality, improve performance, or address security vulnerabilities. The process includes accessing the microcontroller, which may be part of an embedded system or a standalone device, and performing a firmware installation or revision. This may involve loading new firmware code, patching existing firmware, or configuring firmware settings to optimize operation. The method ensures compatibility with the microcontroller's hardware and existing software dependencies, minimizing disruptions to system functionality. It may also include verification steps to confirm successful firmware updates and system stability post-update. The approach is applicable in various industries, including automotive, industrial automation, and consumer electronics, where reliable firmware management is critical for device performance and security.
3. A method according to claim 1 further comprising collecting event-driven operational data from a target system in which a microcontroller is embedded.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein communication to the host PC occurs via a USB connection.
A method for data communication between a peripheral device and a host computer involves establishing a connection using a USB interface. The peripheral device, which may include sensors, actuators, or other input/output components, transmits data to the host computer through a USB connection. The host computer processes the received data, which may include sensor readings, control signals, or other information, and generates corresponding responses or commands. The USB connection ensures reliable, high-speed data transfer while maintaining compatibility with standard USB protocols. The method may also include error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity during transmission. The host computer may further analyze the received data to perform specific tasks, such as monitoring environmental conditions, controlling industrial processes, or interfacing with user input devices. The USB connection simplifies the integration of the peripheral device with the host computer, reducing the need for additional hardware or complex setup procedures. This approach enhances system efficiency and scalability, making it suitable for various applications in consumer electronics, industrial automation, and scientific instrumentation.
5. A method of (a) programming, (b) debugging, or (c) programming and debugging, an embedded microcontroller, comprising: gathering microcontroller user defined event signals related to the microcontroller, which is embedded in a target system in real time without interrupting code executing on the microcontroller; independently gathering target system data related to operation of the target system in real time as the microcontroller executes code; wherein the target system data are gathered by an additional monitoring system; at a programmer debugger device that is distinct from the target system: (a) gathering the user defined event signals directly from the target system; (b) time stamping the user defined event signals; (c) time stamping the target system data; and (d) pairing the microcontroller user defined event signals with the target system data using the timestamps assigned to the user defined event signals and the timestamps assigned to the target system data.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the event signals are transmitted to a host via WiFi.
A system and method for wirelessly transmitting event signals from a device to a host via WiFi. The invention addresses the need for reliable, low-latency communication of event data in environments where wired connections are impractical or unavailable. The device generates event signals in response to detected conditions, such as sensor activations, user inputs, or system alerts. These signals are processed and formatted for transmission over a WiFi network, ensuring compatibility with standard wireless protocols. The host receives and interprets the event signals, enabling real-time monitoring, control, or data logging. The system may include error correction and retransmission mechanisms to ensure data integrity. The device may also support multiple communication modes, such as switching between WiFi and alternative wireless protocols if network conditions degrade. The invention is particularly useful in industrial automation, smart home systems, and remote monitoring applications where wireless connectivity is essential. The use of WiFi ensures broad compatibility with existing infrastructure while maintaining high-speed data transfer. The system may further include security features, such as encryption, to protect transmitted data from unauthorized access. The device may also periodically synchronize with the host to ensure accurate time-stamping of events. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more robust and flexible wireless communication solution for event-driven applications.
7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the target system data are acquired by a module separate and distinct from the gathering of event signals related to the microcontroller.
8. A method according to claim 5 wherein the independently gathering target system data comprises: sending, by a host PC, a command to start a monitoring process; passing by a primary programmer debugger to an additional monitoring system a request to start monitoring; monitoring by the additional monitoring system; signaling, by the additional monitoring system, to the primary programmer debugger that monitoring has begun; and starting, by the primary programmer debugger, a timer for generating timestamps to be assigned to data gathered by the additional monitoring system.
9. A method according to claim 5 wherein gathering microcontroller event signals comprises: sending generated event signals from the target microcontroller to the primary programmer debugger; receiving the event signals at the primary programmer debugger via an interrupt; pairing received event signals with a timestamp; storing event signals with timestamps to an event signal buffer; requesting, by a host PC, that that the primary programmer debugger send contents of the event signal buffer to the host PC.
10. A method of (a) programming, (b) debugging, or (c) programming and debugging, an embedded microcontroller, comprising: initiating a monitoring session by sending a capture request to a programmer-debugger device; in response, initiating an event gathering interface; connecting the programmer-debugger device to a target MCU without interrupting execution of target firmware; issuing, by the programmer-debugger device, a capture request to an additional monitoring device; acquiring by the additional monitoring device data indicative of the operation of the microcontroller; in response to the capture request, signaling the programmer-debugger device to start capturing user defined events; at the programmer-debugger device that is distinct from the target MCU: (a) starting a timer for generating timestamps; and (b) using timestamps to pair events with data acquired by the additional monitoring device; simultaneously with data acquisition, signaling user defined events to the programmer-debugger device; when one of the user defined events is received, pairing it based on its ID with a time stamp and storing it into an events buffer; sending contents of the event buffer by the programmer-debugger device to the host PC; recording the data indicative of the operation of the microcontroller acquired by monitoring device and sending them separately to the PC via WiFi; combining, at the host PC, the contents of the two buffers to assemble and generate a graphical output indicating how system signals are changing in addition with the user defined events; and linking the user defined events to executed code based on their associated IDs.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein communication between the programmer and debugger and host PC occurs via WiFi.
This invention relates to a system for wireless communication between a programmer, a debugger, and a host personal computer (PC) using WiFi. The system enables remote programming, debugging, and data exchange without requiring physical connections. The programmer is configured to program a target device, while the debugger monitors and controls the target device's operation. The host PC provides a user interface for managing these operations. WiFi communication allows for flexible, long-range connectivity, eliminating the need for cables or direct physical links. The system may include encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure secure data transmission. This approach is particularly useful in embedded systems development, where wireless access to devices in remote or hard-to-reach locations is beneficial. The invention improves efficiency by reducing setup time and enabling real-time monitoring and control from a distance.
12. A programming and debugging arrangement, comprising: a programmer and debugger module distinct from a target system; a WiFi module for communicating the programmer and debugger module with a host PC; and an additional monitoring system arranged to measure operational events of the target system having an embedded microcontroller unit (MCU) and record, at the programmer and debugger module, those operational events with a time stamp so that they can be correlated with user defined event signals from the target MCU received via WiFi at the host PC.
Unknown
March 30, 2021
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